Data protection reforms welcomed

Monday 20 February 2017

The Channel Islands' Information Commissioner is welcoming a new digital strategy in Jersey which will see a revamp of the Island's data protection regime.

It's one part of the "Digital Policy Framework" which will also see computing made compulsory in local schools right up to the age of 16, putting it on a similar level to Maths and English.

The policy is currently out for consultation, and is essentially a blueprint for how the States intend to develop the Island's technology sector, get more government services online and enable Islanders to improve their digital skills.

The document sets out six areas to look at:

• a thriving digital sector;
• digital skills for all;
• advanced digital infrastructure;
• Government digital transformation;
• robust cyber security;
• secure data protection.

And then summarises what it intends to do in each area, before setting a measure for success. These measures include:

• 1,000 new high-value jobs in the digital sector;
• digital sector GVA up by 50%, with a focus on high-productivity sub-sectors;
• a Universal Service Obligation giving every islander the right to access broadband of 1Gb/s;
• completion of island-wide fibre to the premises broadband rollout by 2019;
• a compulsory computing curriculum for all students;
• digital leadership training provided to 90% of senior management by 2018;

Information Commissioner Emma Martins commented:

"With data at the heart of so much economic and social activity in the Island, the security of that data is vitally important in both a professional and personal capacity.

"The major reform of data protection legislation due in early 2018 are, to a significant degree, prompted by the new risks posed to individuals in this digital era.  If Jersey is to respond to those risks, an effective and responsive cyber security strategy is an essential element of data protection and must form part of the broader Island data strategy.

"Whilst it is important for all of us to be aware of the risks, government has a major role to play in ensuring there is a robust policy and a legal and technical framework underpinning digital activity.

"We have seen high profile security breaches in recent years and it is a problem that is only going to increase. Not only do breaches pose very real risks to individuals whose data have been compromised, it also affects the reputation of the organisation and the jurisdiction where the organisation is based. This is why it is so important for government and business to work together and the OIC welcomes the Cyber Security strategy report and consultation."